Why the Giants can’t pass on Simmons
In recent years, teams in the NFL have begun searching for players that can be moved around on defense. Players like Derwin James and Jamal Adams have become the staple of what franchises are looking for in a safety.
Even though he isn’t listed as a safety, Simmons is capable of lining up in the secondary. At the same time, Simmons can start at linebacker and make his presence felt on the second level of the defense.
At Clemson, Simmons displayed an extremely versatile skillset as he terrorized opposing offenses. When watching the athletic defender, Simmons lined up all over the field in 2019.
Of his 738 snaps in 2019, Simmons spent 256 snaps at the nickel cornerback position. As a testament to his versatility, he also spent 239 of his snaps in the box. The rest of his snaps came at the deep safety position, defensive line, or out wide at cornerback.
If the Giants don’t take Simmons, then offensive tackle could be the position they target. Either Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, or Andrew Thomas could hear their name called by New York on April 23.
In today’s positionless league, Simmons is a surefire prospect due to his ability to succeed at multiple positions. Since Gettleman has become the GM in New York, he’s been criticized for his questionable draft decisions. Regardless of Giants’ fans opinion of Gettleman, they would all be in favor of him taking Simmons with the No. 4 pick.